Who doesn’t love a good video game? Video games have been a favorite pastime of folks young and old for decades. Our culture’s fascination with the industry has exploded with the dawn of smart phones; gaming on the go can keep commuters occupied during their travels, combat boredom for youngsters and help gamers develop hand-eye coordination. New software is now taking the benefits of video gaming to the next level. Play to Cure™: Genes in Space transports users to an intergalactic universe where they put their gaming skills to the test — all while providing help for cancer patients. From fantasy to reality Genetic cancer data, which can provide the backbone for new cancer treatments, would take scientists countless hours to pore over but Play to Cure relies on a crowdsourcing model to significantly cut that time. Gamers are tasked with collecting “Element Alpha,” an imaginary space dust that tech wizzes created to represent genetic cancer data. As users map a route through the space dust and fly their way through the game, the software is analyzing the genetic data on the back end. The game is colorful, engaging and, best of all, completely free! Users can download Play to Cure from the Apple App Store or Google Play. In fact, this is the world’s first free mobile game that relies on the public to assist in the fight against cancer. As the makers said in a film about the game: “You don’t have to wear a lab coat to help beat cancer sooner.” Mobile masterminds Who are the folks behind this pioneering innovation? The idea for...

Cancer treatments come with a lot of worries — side effects, scheduling, payments — but one that patients shouldn’t concern themselves with is transportation. American Cancer Society offers patients free door-to-door rides to their treatments. The Road to Recovery program can be a lifesaver for patients who are too ill to drive themselves, lack access to their own vehicle or don’t have family or friends who can take them to their appointments. So how is this possible? How it works This important resource for cancer patients is supported through the kindness and generosity of ACS’ team of volunteers. Road to Recovery volunteers donate their time, and their own vehicles, to pick patients up and take them to a medical facility in their area where the patient is scheduled for treatment. The service is solely for patients who are beginning or continuing cancer treatments; those who have completed treatment and are seeing a physician for a follow-up appointment are not eligible for Road to Recovery. Participants also need to be able to walk independently, or travel with a caregiver. A companion is also required for patients under 18. How can I get involved? If you’re looking to take advantage of this important resource for a cancer patient in your life, or for yourself, all you need to do is call the ACS helpline to get started: 1-800-227-2345. From there, the patient will be matched with a volunteer driver in the area; all organizers ask is that driving requests are made at least four business days before the appointment. Volunteering is just as simple as signing up! Interested volunteers...

Cancer can take its toll on the body — but it can also wreak havoc on the mind. Sadness, grief and anxiety are to be expected after a cancer diagnosis, but the illness can trigger more serious, and debilitating, depression. According to the National Cancer Institute, up to a quarter of all cancer patients suffer from depression. Depression is a serious condition about which patients should consult their doctors. Apart from seeking medical treatment, other resources also exist, including online help for cancer patients suffering from depression. Thanks to the Association of Cancer Resources, people fighting cancer have access to an unlimited amount of support, right at their fingertips. ACOR offers an astounding 142 different online communities, most of which are classified according to the types of cancer. The site also features communities focused on specific side effects, childhood cancers and non-cancerous diseases. Each community is connected through its own email list, which works like a two-way street for information: Users can send out emails about everything from new medical developments to challenges or triumphs they’ve encountered, and can also ask for advice or resources from fellow group members to assist them in their journey. In addition to its email lists, ACOR has created, and also hosts, a variety of websites for both patients and caregivers to access and share information and support. Its OnoChat is a clearinghouse for anyone whose lives have been touched by cancer; the site steers away from the clinical side of things and instead focuses on creating community through engaging and lively discussions. Visitors can chat about the real-life impact of cancer. Most important...

With the advance of smart phones, Americans have unlimited access to the Internet right at their fingertips. That power is being used for good with the launch of a number of mobile apps that can help cancer patients get info, get organized and get healthy. Get Info Cancer Terms Pro is a useful resource for cancer patients who may be overwhelmed by the landslide of new medical terms they’re encountering. With a simple click, patients can look up and learn about oncological terms and phrases, giving them the power to understand their diagnosis right in their own hands. With thousands of items stored in the glossary, the $1.99 download price makes this a great value. Get Organized Staying organized is a challenge for most people, and throwing a cancer diagnosis into the mix can make that obstacle seem insurmountable. That’s where Awesome Note comes in. The app isn’t designed specifically for health care, but its functions make it a great resource for cancer patients. Users can take advantage of its expansive note system to record medications and questions for physicians, as well as everyday tasks like shopping lists. It offers a calendar function where patients can manage everything from doctor appointments and pill regimens to school plays and work meetings. The app offers color-coded folder options and unique icons to help users get and stay organized. Get Healthy iHealthLog combines both info and organization to help cancer patients get healthy. The app lets users record all of their medications and dosages, with photos of each pill. It even allows for easy emailing of the list to physicians or others....